The Flower Portal

A few steps away from the clearing, just inches from the large back door of the villa, a circular arch rose majestically like a portal connecting two worlds.It was made of flowers of all kinds, stems, vines and wool intertwined beautifully, with two archangels standing on either side of the flower portal. Each angel held a large sword that crossed in front of the entrance, a constant barrier against evil. 

They stand guard, vigilant and unwavering, as if their very lives depended on it. Their radiant beauty is mesmerizing, and it's hard to tell if they're human or robot.

On the other side, another portal beckons. It's simpler and more austere made of steel and wood, yet no less magnificent, portraying the vibe of a war god. Two huge malamute pups sit on either side, alert and ready for anything. 

Their eyes, a striking blue,and their ears, pricking and attentive, hint at vigilant spirit as if preparing to attack anyone who dares to enter the area.This majestic beings are over six feet tall sitting on their flanks and nearly two feet tall standing on their hind legs.Their coats are immaculate, dotted with golden fibers, and they gleam in the setting sun. Their piercing blue eyes emit a bluish glow, a testament to their unwavering vigilance. 

No one knows if it's an effect or if their eyes are really projecting the bluish glow, but they do know that the dogs are organic and real breeds. They all know how much the Coldguard love dogs, and their dogs are always huge breeds, impressive and almost terrifying to look at.

Everyone sitting in the clearing can clearly see the two portals magically materialize out of thin air to the sound of the gongs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that leaves everyone in awe and make them wonder what they're for.

While some have an inkling of their purpose, the mystery only fuels curiosity, especially when the path leading to the clearing is lined with angels floating in the sky gracefully releasing flower petals from their lofty perch, is nothing short of breathtaking. It's even the perfect backdrop for a spectacular entrance fit for the bride and groom,yet another surprising element is added to the lot just like that.

They might sometimes forget who they're dealing with, which leads to some amusing questions. But it's not their fault! The ColdGuard aren't the type to flaunt their wealth wherever they go. They're rich, richer than Cresus and that's a fact.

Quens, in her infinite wisdom and humility, has a motto: "Never do anything by halves." They should have known that by now. 

That said, when it comes to planning an event, this motto really shines. On one hand, there's her perfectionist side that refuses to leave anything undone. On the other hand, there's her passion for weddings and the chance to show her parents how to organize a wedding for someone they love who means the world to them. 

Weddings were always at the top of her list, and they're especially important to her heart. Now is the perfect time for her to show the world, especially her parents, what it's like to plan a wedding. 

They didn't go out of their way to give her the wedding of her dreams, but now she gets to show them what it's like to plan a wedding the right way, she would blow their mind away. They were too cheap and too calculating, thinking about tomorrow when her happiness was at stake, as if her husband wasn't rich enough to keep their business afloat. Those cheapskates!

But there was one thing she hadn't anticipated in all her preparations and petty vendettas.As the guests watched in amazement and excitement, the gate, decorated with flowers of all kinds and guarded by angels, opened as if by magic, revealing a beautiful, graceful stallion.

Mal, a little tense from all the events and the situation he finds himself in, still retains all his enchanting beauty, though a little cold as an ice statue. 

He's like a beacon in the night, sparkling with his own unique beauty. People are drawn to his energy, even if they can't quite place why. This captivating aura, for some mysterious reason, seems to cast aside any lingering curiosity about the tension in the air and the palpable hatred in his eyes.

Shining like a masterpiece straight out of a canvas, Malayika took his first step into the arch when an unexpectedly different music began to play automatically as he placed his foot in the middle of the platform.

His astonishment was palpable as he stood still, mouth agape, stunned by the unfolding spectacle. The archangels, in a dramatic gesture, lowered their swords to allow him to pass, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this extraordinary moment. 

This wasn't the music he had chosen, yet, it was the only thing he had been allowed to choose in this entire farce, however it was taken away from him too.

Could it be his imagination, or is that beautiful music really playing about a bride whose parents are watching her walk down the aisle on her father's arm?They're all in tears as they see their child leave, and in joy because their daughter is growing up so fast that they don't know how to handle their somewhat mixed emotions as they see her ready to be called Madame So-and-So in her own right. She's ready to stand on her own two feet now, and they weren't really ready for that, but luckily it was just a wedding.

Holy crap! Will someone please make up his mind and tell him if he's dreaming or not? No, it must be his imagination playing tricks on him, because it can't possibly be his music.

He's not quite sure what's going on, but when he sees the audience almost immediately open their eyes wide in sheer astonishment, something clicks inside him and tells him that what he's hearing is the reality he's in.

He was indeed in the bride's shoes, he almost raised his head to the sky to curse as only thugs know how, but nothing came out, yet he became more and more bitter and disgusted with what was happening to him. 

He blames his parents, but he quickly composes himself. There's no way he's going to let this event bother him any more than it already did, but he can't stop himself from wondering.

He wondered by what happy, cursed coincidence he had found himself here, and what the chances were that the music would start playing when he was the one going through the portal... He wanted to understand what had happened and put things right.

He wasn't the only one in this state of mind; the people present were also wondering the same thing. Some heads turned towards the other portal, which was still waiting for its host to arrive and open the passage. It was then that Mal realized that another dirty trick had been deliberately played on him. 

Glancing to the side, he saw the magnificent portal of black steel and charcoal wood standing in all its glory like a witness to something majestic. His gaze hardened even more for a brief moment as something bestial clouded his eyes.There were two portals, and yet he found himself in the bride's.It was definitely not a coincidence; someone had tricked him.

Then, when Quens suddenly jumped to her feet, stunned as she saw him enter the portal, it was all the confirmation he needed. She's never made such a sudden gesture in her life; she's always elegant and self-controlled.

This was obviously a trick, and someone behind the scenes was playing with him, or with the nerves of the gorgeous lady.Suddenly, he felt the urge to burst out laughing like a maniac. Either she's being tricked too, or she's a great comedian!

Who would've thought to mess with Madam's plans by bringing him into all this without thinking about how it might mess him up? There's really some brave soul out there. Did that person even think about him while carrying out her plan? Whoever it is, they're gonna pay dearly for this.

But, Quens, the pro she is, quickly made up for it, keeping her face straight. She smiled at the people around her and nodded discreetly to one of the technicians standing nearby to make sure everything was running smoothly and intervene if necessary—you can't be too careful.

But the poor guy, after checking his tablet that projected a hologram in front of him, touching and checking things while staying in contact with his team, could do nothing but give her a sign that meant he had no control and idea over what was going on.

She clenched her fists discreetly, the smile almost fading from her face, but she pulled herself together in time and smiled more like a heart. Malayika, with his piercing gaze despite the distance between them, watched her every move discreetly. 

His gaze was unwavering as he fixed her with a piercing, unblinking stare throughout the interaction with the technician.Meanwhile, his mother, positioned at the opposite end of the clearing's entrance, straightened her posture, puffed out her chest, and crossed the square with a regal air, completely disregarding the curious glances directed her way. 

The onlookers' curiosity about whether she would perceive this gesture as an affront was unfounded. She didn't, and the spectacle they were waiting for never materialized. 

Instead, she took up a position halfway across the square, waiting for her son.Malayika didn't take his eyes off his mother when he finished watching Quens communicate with her staff. His gaze followed the two matriarchs of the two families attentively. 

Although he wasn't well-acquainted with Quens, he recognized her method of communication with her technician. He had learned to interpret some of the ColdGuard's signs when they were in public.

This minor misunderstanding was unrelated to the family matriarch. She was too distraught by the event to sabotage her own work. 

She was also a victim of her own perfectionism; someone had used her sense of perfection to slip into the background without getting caught.Mal even has the strange feeling that she wants to strangle whoever it is with her bare hands until they die for messing up her program.The nerve, the audacity of that person!

Malayika relishes the rage that bubbles quietly in his mother's eyes; he knows her too well to be fooled by her calm exterior. This simple detail puts him in a good mood, just a little bit.

The coldness in his eyes almost disappears, and the tension that emanated from him dissipates as he takes a step out of the gate to go down the steps. It had to happen; he hopes it will give his mother a glimpse of what it feels like to not be in control.

He also wants to see how much his mother will keep her character under control, and as long as he's not the only one in pain, so much the better. He wants his mother to understand what it feels like to feel betrayed and humiliated by the people you have an agreement with or by the people you count on the most. It hurts like hell!

With an elegant and graceful step, seductive like a water nymph, he walked with his head held high, taking a little time to understand and enjoy the music. 

It was beautiful music with very beautiful lyrics. This person who wrote it has a great sense of family and what is important in life.She is not the type to sell her children to stay on top.

He will have to look for it to appreciate it better later, but for now, he will be satisfied with the little space his mind leaves him to listen to the sweet melody filled with emotion.

Some people in the audience, who have more time to concentrate on the music, were already in tears and in love before such beauty. The emotions released were real and almost palpable. Who is this artist? They were completely captivated, even though they didn't know the music. It was their first time hearing it, and yet, they were hooked.

But one person was a bit irritated by all the excitement. A marriage isn't always filled with love from day one. A marriage can be for any reason, as long as it's justified and for a good cause. Why make a big deal out of it? It's just a marriage, not like they gave their children to Baba Yaga or something!

Quens kept opening and closing her eyes as if she wanted the music to stop, but to her amazement, no matter how many times she blinked and clenched her fists, the damn music continued for the most beautiful, pounding her ears until they bled.

As the music built to a crescendo, it became more and more emotional, more and more beautiful, more and more tasty, more and more cheerful, and more and more joyful as it drew nearer to the end. 

The pain of seeing their children go was transformed into the joy of having had the chance to give birth to such a beautiful and precious being. They showered her with heartfelt wishes for boundless joy and confirmed that their home would always be her sanctuary.

The singer's divine inspiration shone through in every note, creating a harmonious symphony that was a true delight for the senses. 

Meanwhile, Cerady, watching her son stride purposefully towards her amidst the enchanting melodies, found herself stuck and perplexed. 

Why didn't Mal turn around and leave? Could it be that he didn't realize the music was dedicated to the bride and not him?

It was a heart-wrenching moment to witness her son walk through the flowery portal, and she almost fainted from the emotional impact. But the icing on the cake? Mal's nonchalant attitude. He didn't care in the least about what she was thinking or any potential comments people might make about him parading to music that was clearly made for a girl.

Has he lost his mind?

What will the headlines be tomorrow, or even tonight? The vultures will soon seize the opportunity to devour her son and her family's reputation along with him.

Have the Lockes been duped by the ColdGuard and treated their son like a wimp in front of the entire planet?

Or did young Mr. Locke have no qualms about walking through the bride's portal to music dedicated to a girl at her wedding, and doesn't that say a lot about his personality?

Oh, God knows what she wants to do! She even has this fierce desire to twist her son's delicate neck to knock some sense into his head. She feels he is doing it on purpose to provoke her.

Oh, hell no, she doesn't want to see such accusations in the press or on social networks written by those vicious Internet users who are just waiting to express their opinion about her family.

Her son is handsome and elegant, so what? He's not the only handsome and elegant boy of his kind, is he? Besides, the ColdGuards aren't that different, are they? They're just a little rougher than her son, that's all.

Ah, she's starting to get a migraine that makes her feel like an evil elf is hammering on her head like a sadist. She wants to massage her temples, but there are too many eyes on her to let herself go with this little gesture that could betray her state of mind and later be translated for things she does not want to read anyway.

By the time Mal reaches her, she has found a way to change her murderous mood to something more tender. After all, her son is going to marry a ColdGuard, she can get over that, but Quens will have to give her a little explanation.